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Health & Fitness

Pen mightier than the sword?

I find it really difficult to come up with creative presents, but thanks to Flag Lady Gifts, I now have the perfect choice for my sport-shooting friends: the hand-crafted bolt-action rifle pen.

A week or so ago, I received an intriguing email from Jan Hartman, the owner of Flag Lady Gifts on Lancaster Avenue, opposite the Strafford Farmers Market. She had attached a small photo of what she described as a “bolt-action rifle pen.” Knowing of my interest in shooting sports and firearms generally, Jan thought this would be the perfect gift for me – and other like-minded Second Amendment supporters.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but this one was very small and no substitute for an up-close inspection. So last Friday I stopped by her shop, where she proceeded to lay out an impressive array of beautifully handcrafted pens, each made with a different native or exotic hardwood, including:  Buckeye burl, Kingwood, Red Mallee, Bocoti, Amboyna burl, Olive wood, Jack Daniels barrel, and Dogwood.

Common to all were features I had never seen on a writing instrument:  a meticulously made bolt-action to operate the pen, and an actual copper-clad 30-caliber bullet, drilled out to allow the ballpoint to emerge. The clip was a finely-rendered replica of a rifle. All in all, very impressive workmanship.

Equally impressive was the back story she offered during my filmed interview, which is available on YouTube (click here to watch). Handmade by a retired veteran living in Florida, these pens are a labor of love – and the care that goes into them is obvious. I could not resist, and left with one proudly displayed in my pocket.

Appreciative of my interest – and my willingness to spread the word – Jan agreed to offer a 10% discount and free shipping to anyone using the promotional code “1776” at the time of purchase. If you stop by Flag Lady Gifts (really the best way to decide which wood and finish you prefer), simply mention “1776” to the sales associate to receive your discount.

There are two price points, depending on the finish of the trim:  $41.85 for chrome or gun metal; $43.65 for the 22-carat gold-plated version. (These are the prices after the 10% discount; sales tax not included.)  Jan said she had just taken delivery of the pens two weeks earlier and that they were moving well.

Apparently I’m not the only one who couldn’t say no.

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